They mooted the idea at a recent meeting with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, who convened it at the conclusion of a workshop organised by his ministry for arrangers of steelpan music and facilitated by Barbados-based Guyanese Derry Atkins.

The purpose was to improve the participants’ musical skills in adapting to the sounds of the various pans.

A release from the ministry said it would be favourably disposed to facilitating the fund-raiser, as Anthony sought the pan men’s suggestions for the 2010 Mashramani steelband competitions.

The focus was on possible categories, registration and a comprehensive directory of all active steelbands, the cost of producing pans and the current state of the art form.

The release said it was agreed that promotional videos, to highlight the challenges, potential and performance of both new and established steelbands, will be produced and special emphasis will be placed on school bands.

Anthony pledged his support to the activities and challenged the band leaders and managers to market their product to specific potential corporate sponsors.

The Ministry’s Steel Band Development Coordinator, Mr. Andrew Tyndall has been mandated to liaise with steelband players countrywide.

The release said the consistent generosity of Republic Bank, with respect to Mashramani Steelband contests, was also acknowledged.

Meanwhile, during the pre-CARIFESTA X planning in early 2008, the Ministry boosted local steelpan playing in significant and practical ways.

Frontline pans were imported from Trinidad and Tobago and Tyndall was appointed permanent coordinator for Steelband Development while part-time tuners and trainers took the technical pan playing skills to several schools and communities.

The National Steelband was established and it made several sterling appearances during and since CARIFESTA X in August 2008.